On the eve of the highly anticipated clash between Roma and Juventus, Pierre Kalulu addressed the media, sharing his thoughts on the team’s recent performances, their mentality, and the challenge ahead at the Stadio Olimpico.
“It’s been an important week”
Reflecting on Juventus’ recent run, Kalulu admitted that emotions have been mixed since midweek action. “It’s true that it’s been an important week for us,” he said. “After Wednesday’s game, the feeling was a mix. You’re disappointed with the result at first, but after reflecting and watching the actions again, you feel proud of what we showed on the pitch. These past days, the feeling has really been a mix of everything.”
“We know this is an important game”
Turning to the match against Roma, Kalulu emphasised the team’s focus and awareness. “Among us, we all know it’s an important game,” he explained. “We’re aware that there are still eleven matches after this one, so even if it goes well, there’s still more to come. It’s a direct clash, so it has a bit more value, but we have the right attitude and awareness of our strength. If we play our football, it will go well.”
“We feel united under the same idea”
When asked about Juventus’ development under their current coaching direction, Kalulu avoided managerial discussions but underlined the team’s harmony. “That’s more a question for the management,” he replied. “But about the work we’re doing — the whole team feels good, we have a shared idea, clear principles, and we enjoy the way we play. That’s a sign we’re happy with the path we’re on.”
“VAR rules? It depends how they’re applied”
Kalulu also commented on the recent updates to VAR protocols. “Any rule that can help football and improve the experience for spectators is something I agree with,” he said. “It’s just a pity I ended up being the protagonist of this change! Let’s see how it works — it depends on how the rules are applied on the pitch.”
“When you’re down to ten, everyone gives more”
Discussing the recent European fixture against Galatasaray, he noted how adversity has been fuelling the team. “When you’re one man down, everyone has to work harder — mentally it gives you a push to give something extra,” Kalulu said. “We’re prepared for those situations. Every match starts from zero; I don’t think about what happened before. We all restart from scratch and focus on giving our maximum.”
“We’ve shown we’re strong and ready”
Kalulu highlighted how Juventus’ consistency and unity have grown over recent months. “The first leg helped us a lot as a team,” he explained. “Even in other matches where we didn’t get the result, we had very good moments. The game against Galatasaray confirmed what we already believe — that we’re strong and ready for key moments.”
“The match I’d replay? Maybe the first of February”
Asked if he would replay any recent match, he smiled and reflected: “February was a month full of different mental challenges. It’s hard to pick one. Maybe the first one against Atalanta, just because it was the start of the month. But honestly, thinking back on those games hurts more than it helps.”
“What bothered me the most? The result”
On the much-discussed incident with Alessandro Bastoni, Kalulu was candid. “What annoyed me most? In the end, I’d say everything. But above all, it’s always the result that bothers me the most. Even if we had won with me being sent off, I’d have been upset, but less so. The team always comes before the individual — what hurts is that everything happened in a row.”
“We must be more effective in the final third”
Looking forward, Kalulu pinpointed finishing efficiency as an area for improvement. “We need to be more effective across all areas of the pitch,” he said. “In the past two months, we’ve controlled most games, but we lack effectiveness in the final zones — that’s where we could have earned more points.”
“Next time with Bastoni? Nothing special”
Asked if he expects tension when he meets Bastoni again, Kalulu remained calm: “We didn’t speak much before, so it won’t change much. The next time will probably be in six months — I hope by then I’ll have had some success that makes me forget this episode. Personally, my focus will only be on the match. I’m not expecting anything from him, nothing special.”
“We’re all improving mentally”
Kalulu praised the team’s mental growth in recent weeks. “We’re all improving on an individual level, which means collectively we’re doing better. Everyone’s ready to deal with pressure.”
“Roma are strong, it’ll be a battle”
Finally, he looked ahead to the tactical challenge posed by the Giallorossi. “For every opponent, we prepare with video sessions,” he revealed. “Roma’s attack is strong and they’re in a good moment. I expect a game in their usual style — high intensity, entertaining, and full of battles. For me, it’ll be similar to the first leg, but even better because both teams have grown since then.”
